SOUTH BEND, Ind. — Notre Dame nose tackle Louis Nix III capture the emotion of just about everyone who follows the Fighting Irish with a simple tweet: "Didnt see that coming!"

News that coach Brian Kelly had interviewed with the Philadelphia Eagles one day after the Irish were thoroughly beaten 42-14 by Alabama in the BCS title game caught just about everyone by surprise.

The job, after all, has not traditionally been a springboard to the NFL and is viewed by many — at least by Notre Dame fans — as a destination job at a deep-pocketed program with one of the most storied histories in college football.

The early reaction from Notre Dame recruits indicated they are still committed to the Irish.

Cornerback Devin Butler expressed similar feelings, tweeting: "I committed to a program and school.. Not a coach." He then added: "But I doubt he leaves."

Still, the interview alone could prove costly. Recruiting analyst Tom Lemming of CBS Sports says Notre Dame was on track to possibly have the top recruiting class this year, but said some recruits will get antsy if Kelly doesn't announce his intention soon.

Kelly originally signed a five-year contract three years ago at a reported $2.5 million a year and was given a two-year extension a year ago.